Multiple indicators of human impacts on the environment in the Pechora Basin,north-eastern European Russia |
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Authors: | Tony R. Walker Peter D. Crittenden Vladimir A. Dauvalter Vivienne Jones Peter Kuhry Olga Loskutova Kari Mikkola Ari Nikula Elena Patova Vasily I. Ponomarev Tatyana Pystina Osmo Rätti Nadia Solovieva Angelina Stenina Tarmo Virtanen Scott D. Young |
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Affiliation: | 1. School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;2. Institute of North Industrial Ecology Problems, Kola Science Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russian Federation;3. Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London WC1E 6BT, UK;4. Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden;5. Institute of Biology, Komi Science Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ural Division, Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation;6. Finnish Forest Research Institute, Rovaniemi Research Station, Rovaniemi, Finland;7. Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland;8. Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland;9. School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK |
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Abstract: | The Pechora Region (PR) has extensive natural resources supporting forestry, oil and gas industries. The objective of this integrated study was to identify if local and long range pollution and biodiversity impacts were detectable on a regional scale using multi-indicators by selecting paired sites, close to industrial/forestry activities and in ‘reference’ areas (remote from any industrial centers, settlements or commercial activities). Chemistry of lichens, topsoil, lake water and sediments, plus diversity of lichens, birds and aquatic indicators along with landscape analysis were measured at eight sites in the PR to assess local impacts of oil/gas and forestry operations. Furthermore, an analysis of water and sediment chemistry was made at river stations and sites within the Pechora Delta. Local areas around industrial towns of Vorkuta and Usinsk showed increased pollution and decreased biodiversity. Among remote areas, subtle changes in pollution and biodiversity were detected close to oil/gas operations on the Kolva and Ortina Rivers, indicating early signs of environmental impact. Delta analyses showed limited impacts and most other sites remained unmodified reflecting low ecological impacts. Changes in forest landscape structure over large areas were apparently too small to cause significant negative impacts on bird diversity. This was the first attempt showing how multi-indicators can be used over broad spatial scales to assess environmental impacts in the PR. |
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